Browsing by Author "Ufuoma, Akpojivi"

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Convergence, Citizens Engagement and Democratic Sustainability in Emerging Democracies: The Case of Ghana and Nigeria
(Journal of Mass Communication & Journalism, 2012-12) Fosu, Modestus; Ufuoma, Akpojivi
In this era of globalisation, information accessibility is becoming more and more crucial to empower citizens in their political, economic and socio-cultural engagements. However, in emerging democracies there are certain factors, that is, economic, cultural and political, which are still hindering the vast majority of the population from being included in the media and democratic discourse. Nevertheless, a new phenomenon of communication convergence is evolving in emerging democracies like Ghana and Nigeria, which is providing platforms for wide citizen engagements in the political and social discourse in societies. Communication convergence here involves the interaction of radio, television, newspapers, mobile phones and audiences as participants at the same forum in the media sphere. This phenomenon has radically enhanced citizens’ participation in the democratic processes in Ghana and Nigeria respectively. Proceeding from a phenomenological perspective, this paper shall discuss the media convergence practices in Ghana and Nigeria in relation to political engagements as well as citizens engagements using case studies of a regular radio programme (Kokrokoo, on Peace FM) in Ghana and a regular TV programme (Sunrise Daily, on Channel TV) in Nigeria. The paper will argue that citizens’ engagements as a result of the convergence of the mass media are central to the survival of democracy in both countries if properly harnessed.
Is there an Opportunity for Ethnic Journalism in Indigenous Language Broadcasting in Ghana? A Study of Fafaa Radio
(Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 2021-03) Fosu, Modestus; Ufuoma, Akpojivi
This study broaches a conversation on ethnic media and journalism in Ghana by asking whether a case could be made for the practice of ethnic media/journalism, focusing on Fafaa Radio (Fafaa), a private commercial FM station in Dzodze, Ghana. The study occurs at the backdrop of apparent disquiet about the communication of ethnic or tribal matters in Africa’s public spaces because of its potential or evidenced-based implications for divisiveness and conflicts. Using indepth interviews with key purposively selected media practitioners of the station and document analysis, the study addresses issues relating to Fafaa as an ethnic media outlet. The study occurs within an interpretative analytical approach underpinned by sociological imagination and normative considerations about professionalism in local and national contexts. The finding is that whilst Fafaa largely fulfils the characteristics of ethnic media, it is debateable to say it practises ethnic journalism since the practices are almost analogous with the conceptualisation of community media by the regulatory body, the National Communication Authority (NCA). The analysis further suggests that the orientation of Fafaa as potentially ethnic, serving an Ewe community, influences the practices and professionalism of the station’s journalists. The study concludes that conceptualisation and education are needed to legitimise ethnic media.
Media Convergence Practices and Production in Ghana And Nigeria: Implications for Democracy and Research in Africa
(Journal of Applied Journalism & Media Studies, 2015-04) Fosu, Modestus; Ufuoma, Akpojivi
In this era of globalization, information accessibility is becoming crucial to empower citizens in their political, economic and sociocultural engagements. In emerging democracies, economic, cultural and political factors have hindered and still hinder the vast majority of the population from inclusion in the media and democratic discourse. Nevertheless, a ‘new’ phenomenon of media convergence is evolving in emerging democracies like Ghana and Nigeria that appears to provide platforms for wide citizen participation in the political and social discourse. From a phenomenological and exploratory perspective, this paper presents an overview of the media convergence practices in newsrooms in Ghana and Nigeria and their potential impact on the countries’ democracy. The article, on the one hand, juxtaposes this new trend against the need for the media to play a crucial role in sustaining and developing democracy in such countries, and on the other hand it opens discussions and research enquiry into the practices and genre underlying such media productions.